Analysis of Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 through Policy as Texts and Policy as Discourse

Abstract

Australian international education has consistently shown strong pioneering and innovation. In 2015, Australia formulated its first National Strategy for International Education, the National Strategy for International Education 2025, which aims to position Australia as a global leader in education, training and research. In 2019, international education in Australia provided about 250,000 jobs and generated $40.3 billion in income, promoting education and economic development. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has brought numerous challenges to international education worldwide, and Australia, a significant exporter of international education, has suffered a major impact. The number of international students in Australia's international education has plummeted, the scale of the industry has shrunk, the international reputation has been damaged, and other crises, its structural imbalance has also been revealed. As a result, in December 2021, the Australian Government launched a new International Education Strategy, the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030, "Strategy 2021-2030", with the challenge of change as an opportunity to achieve the recovery and long-term growth of its international education. This paper will analyze the positive impact of this education policy on the economic development of Australia. Overall, this paper aims to provide valuable insight into Australia's international education strategy and its effect on its economic and social development. By analyzing policy texts and discourses, this paper will contribute to a deeper understanding of policy objectives, implementation challenges and potential outcomes, providing helpful information for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders in the international education sector.